Denmark’s 2025 Work Visa Rules: New Salary Criteria for Foreign Workers

Starting January 1, 2025, Denmark will implement stricter income requirements for foreign nationals seeking work-based residence permits. This move aims to ensure fair wages and protect the integrity of the Danish labour market.

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) announced the change. It stated that they will use the new income threshold to evaluate whether a foreign worker’s offered salary aligns with Danish standards.

“By assessing the income level, Denmark wants to ensure that all foreign workers entering the country are being treated fairly and that they receive salaries equivalent to other people who are already working in the Danish labour market,” explained SIRI.

New Salary Assessment Criteria

The updated income level will be a key factor in determining whether the salary offered to foreign workers meets Danish standards. SIRI emphasizes that the new rules are designed to:

• Ensure foreign workers receive equitable salaries.
• Promote consistency with the remuneration provided to employees in similar roles within Denmark.

To qualify for a residence and work permit, applicants must demonstrate that their salary and employment terms comply with Danish standards. This includes ensuring that the remuneration matches the type of employment in question.

Effective Dates for the New Rules

The new income requirement will apply to all applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025. However:

• Applications filed between October 1 and December 31, 2024, will be assessed using the current income levels.
• Applications submitted from January 2025 will be evaluated based on the revised standards.

This transitional arrangement ensures that only applications submitted in 2025 or later are affected by the updated criteria.

Also Read: Denmark Updates Positive Lists For Work Permits; Adds 110 New Job Titles

Schemes Affected by the Salary Requirement

The revised income requirement applies to both first-time applications and extensions of work-based residence permits under the following schemes:

Employment contracts covered by collective agreements will generally meet the required standards. In cases where salaries fall short, employers must provide additional comments for review before a final decision is made.

What Does ‘Danish Standards’ Mean?

Generally, the Danish authorities consider a foreign worker’s salary to meet Danish standards if a collective agreement covers their employment contract.

What Happens if the Salary Doesn’t Meet Requirements?

If the authorities determine that a foreign worker’s salary falls below the established standards, they will request an explanation from the employer before making a decision on the permit application.

New Salary Standards for 2024

It is worth mentioning here that Denmark has recently revised its work permit and salary assessment rules, effective October 1, 2024. Foreign workers and employers are encouraged to stay updated on salary benchmarks, eligible work schemes, and current income thresholds to ensure compliance with Danish application requirements.

Key Takeaways for Travellers and Job Seekers

• Plan Ahead: If you are considering working in Denmark, familiarize yourself with the updated income requirements before submitting your application.
• Research Collective Agreements: Ensure your employment contract is covered by a relevant collective agreement to increase your chances of approval.
• Consult with an Immigration Specialist: Seek professional guidance to navigate the complex Danish immigration system.

Ensuring Fairness in Denmark’s Labor Market

By implementing these updated criteria, Denmark aims to protect the rights of foreign workers while maintaining competitiveness in its labour market. The new measures highlight Denmark’s commitment to fair treatment and equitable pay for all employees, regardless of nationality.